2nd/3rd babies after premature labour

[MadameJ]

For those of you who had a premature baby (1st child) for "no apparent reason", were your next babies early and did you do anything differently??

Thanks.

[girlsyearapart]

My sister went into labour 11 weeks early with her first. Hospital held it off until he was eventually born 9 weeks early.

Her second & third both born a week late!

[Valdeeves]

I've had two prem babies - first at 35 weeks second at 33. The next would be earlier I think. My mum did not carry to term with her three children so I'm guessing its genetic.

[Mandy21]

I had twins at 27+6 but then number 3 was just a day early!

I had more checks than I would ordinarily have been entitled to, and I arranged to have swabs done every month (because I think - despite no-one ever confirming this - that my early labour was down to a UTI).

[raisah]

My DS born at 26 wks & is now 4 yrs old. My DD born 39 wks so not a premmy. I left work to minimise stress and unnecessary travelling & stayed home. Was monitored by consultants v closely & DD born healthy a week early at home.

[MadameJ]

Loving the positive stories, makes me feel much more positive

[minipie]

bumping, I would love to hear more stories. DD was 6 weeks prem for no apparent reason (PROM) and while DH and I have always wanted 2 children we are scared of another early and perhaps even earlier baby...

[MadameJ]

minipie my DD was also 6 weeks early but we have decided to have another so I am currently 22 weeks pregnant. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this one decides to stay tucked up for longer but I suppose we never know

[minipie]

good luck MadameJ, fingers crossed for you. Have they offered you extra monitoring due to your first child being early?

[MadameJ]

Minipie, when I had my booking in appointment with MW (she was also my MW last time) she made it sound like I would receive much better care this time round, however I had my first consultant appointment last week where they carried out swabs for infection and little else. I am having a GTT due to DD's weight but other than that nothing.

I was told the MW may want to see me more frequently but the consultant has not arranged to see me until 34 weeks so not really optomistic in regards to "extra monitoring".

[minipie]

hmm. that's a bit crap. I would have expected them to suggest at least steroid injections to help lungs develop? and maybe a cerclage or something (not really sure when these are used though so could be talking rubbish).

[MadameJ]

Yeah I was expecting steroids to be mentioned but they just said to go into hospital as soon as possible if labour starts where if possible these could be given. I don't know what I was expecting but I am sure it was more than this!!

[LeBFG]

I gave birth at nearly 33 weeks and this time around doing a lot of things differently.

Had a cervix stretch test before conception to check for weak cervix (bit pointless imo as no hint of this being a problem). In the 2nd trimester had fortnightly scans to check cervix length. Have had weekly progesterone shots from 21 weeks (I think - too long ago to be sure - just finished the course). Monthly vaginal swabs (checking for infection even no sign last time because sometimes the infections are sub-clinical).

I've noticed regular BH from about 18 weeks so at about 31 weeks, I started taking magnesium supplements as read online that an irritable uterus can calm down a bit with this. Appears to have an effect.

Am now 36 weeks! Despite regular and now stronger BH. Of course, as I've done so much I will never know if what I've done has increased gestation or I would have gone this far naturally.

OP: having read about this a lot before deciding to try for a second, the chances are on our side. A second preterm birth is about doubly likely for us (about 20%). So it's a chances game. If you do go early a second time, it's likely to be around the same gestation, so I figured 33 weeks wasn't too bad and even 1 or 2 weeks either side wouldn't be the end of the world so we gave it a shot.

[MadameJ]

LeBFG how great that you have got to 36 weeks!! Thank you for those stats, I too read alot about it before TTC, Im now thinking "what will be, will be" obviously I will continue trying everything possible (I am especially liking Miaowthecats idea of the cork)

[LeBFG]

I think that's a good strategy MadameJ. Do what you can, plan for the worst, hope for the best. Ultimately, if s/he comes early you must never feel you are at fault. Best of luck with your adventure!

[Gullygirl]

My DD was born at 28 weeks by EMC,DS1 at 39 weeks,DS2 at 34 weeks,both vaginal deliveries.There really is no telling what will happen!

[Liquidambar]

bump
I'm 8 weeks pregnant with #2. ds was 35 weeks and with a good weight. My last trimester was difficult. I went to hospital at 26weeks with an infection but the doctors couldn't find the reason. After that I was extremely sore and lots of thightnings but managed to carry until 35 weeks. No one ever explained what happened. I saw my midwife on Tuesday and she was trying to say that there's no reason why I should have another prem baby and that I should relax. Nevertheless she wants me to see the consultant at 23 weeks. everyone keeps saying that 35 weeks is not that bad and that Ds is a healthy boy so I shouldn't worry. I just want to make sure I ll have some support during this pregnancy and that everyone will do their best to keep this baby inside for as long as possible.

[plentyofsoap]

33 plus 1 day with baby 1.
33 plus 1 day with baby 2.
Born on the same day of the week identical labours an hour difference in their births. I am not making that up.
I was very low risk and baby 2 nearly came alot earlier. They did not realise I have a rubbish cervix.
Everything worked out fine, but its always a risk.
Not doing it again

[Liquidambar]

thanks plenty did you have any extra care or monitoring for baby#2? How did you feel during your second pregnancy?

[plentyofsoap]

I did and was under consultant care. However as ds was 33 weeks I was not monitored closely really. I asked for cervix length scans which was refused. It was not until I started having problems that a scan was done and treatment started.
I was positive with the pregnancy as I was healthy and fit, its rubbish it happened again and they are still unsure as to why. Baby is here and healthy so thats all that matters.
Any hint that something is not right push it. I only had brown discharge and was sent home twice, it was serious and could have been missed. I knew what to expect so it was easier and I rested more so baby was bigger which helped.
Try not to worry its unlikely it will happen again to you.

[Liquidambar]

Thank you Plenty and Miaow for sharing your stories.
My consultant is the same as last time and she was nice. However, I bet she won't even remember me. My mw seems confident that things will go well this time, but I'm only 8 weeks - I guess she is trying to keep me calm.
I understand consultants are over stretched, and over 30ish weeks is not particularly bad, but I think mums like us would benefit from a closer monitoring.

[plentyofsoap]

I'm sure it will be fine and try not too worry. You are more likely to go full term than not. It is very likely they will not do a great deal but make sure you ask the right questions. Any hint that things are not right go to hospital for checks. I tried to enjoy my last pregnancy as much as possible so make the most of it!

[TakestheMNbiscuit]

Dc1 - 36 weeks
Dc2 -34 weeks
Dc3-35 weeks

Only dc3 got extra scans/monitoring as a matter of course,
Dc2 I just got scanned ect whenever I was at the hospital
With an issue. Waters leaked from 28weeks with dc1, was told was a one off, leaked from 25ish weeks with dc2 and was a one off and DC3 I had a big leak at 21 weeks but recovered ok, then leaked from 25eeeks again - if I had heard the phrase "it could be urine" once more I could of screamed! :)

All in all though all were healthy and good weights 5-6lb and only my 34weeker required a scbu stay (11days) x

Fingers crossed for you x